How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman's concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren't for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

"Grandma, we didn't argue," Elodie said softly. "You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight."

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren't Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other's lives by now?

Yet the way they lived... it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn't care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. "You're right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it's no big deal as long as you two didn't fight. Still, I'll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don't worry, darling, I won't let him take you for granted!"

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, "Grandma, it's all right. There's no need."

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

any more effort on something hopeless. Maybe, with this hint, it would be

Elodie's words. She sounded confused but finally relented, "All right... Just enjoy your time with your family, and wish

"I will."

the call, Elodie let out a quiet

moment, then decided to borrow the hotel kitchen and make a few treats for her grandparents. Her grandmother had a sweet tooth, but her blood sugar was

hotel staff

simple batch of puff pastry

through baking, her phone

checked her messages-it was

said you're not making desserts

seriously? You know I have to

are you? Say

jealous or something? Fine, I'll call you 'sis-in-law' for once. Just don't tell Sylvie, okay? Now will you

Elodie's expression didn't change.

something, and her tone was always imperious,

was obsessed with her antiques investments and always traveling, she'd leave

every demand, but Octavia had grown picky and

time when Octavia had clung

Octavia became dismissive and openly

or plain rebellion, Elodie saw no reason to keep

opened Octavia's chat,

her phone and went

up with three boxes of

asking her to come

even though the doctor

spent a good while chatting about drones before heading back,

with Rosemary and the others, then returned to her room

routine, she received a message from Esmeralda― plus two

"Ugh, disgusting! Can't even go out on New Year's without seeing something